WHAT I AM WEARING THIS FALL PART 1//

Today is September 16th and it is still 94 degress in this Texas heat.  I want to scream and leave this place and never come back.  How are fashion obsessed people supposed to enjoy their cornucopia of fall treats - boots, blazers, coats, scarves??  The rule here is even if you live in a hell hole of heat like I do, purchase the things you love for the season and daydream about wearing them.  It beats not having anything to look forward to.  This fall has so many covetable pieces, it has been really hard to narrow down what to get.  I have been quite conservative, partially because I am 7 months pregnant, but also because I believe (after years of wild spending) that a few key pieces can transform a wardrobe and be worn for many years.  To illustrate my point, let me show you the items I have purchased (so far) this season and how I intend to wear them.  

Celine shoulder/messenger handbag

 I love leopard print - I see it as another neutral in a wardrobe and I searched high and low for the perfect fall bag.  This is it - perfect size, perfect print, and the shoulder strap can extend to become a messenger bag.  If you are going to invest in a bag, it needs to be versatile and somewhat sturdy.  The great thing about hide (unless you are a vegan or whatever) is how durable it is.  I will be carrying this with everything for a long time to come.  Some people are afraid of animal prints and wonder if they are too "busy" or if they "go" with everything.  With something like animal print, it is best to stick to accessories - bags, shoes, belts (I would do a leopard jacket but that's just me) because they truly do blend with everything.  Head to toe animal print - no.  Splashes of it here and there - yes, yes, yes!

Celine covered wedge boot

OK. The second I saw these I had to take a deep breath.  I suggest you do the same.  How sick are these?  The covered wedge and two tone nude and black makes them so chic and just a little bit out of the box which I love.  The 1960s element here I also love because they are still modern but have a vintage feel.  Again, with something as killer as this, you have to just wear the hell out of them with everything.  Don't even think about it - over jeans with a chunky knit.  Done.  With a shorter dress?   Done.  With a mid calf or ankle length chiffon skirt and blazer.  So done.  People tend to overthink great statement pieces like this and that is a mistake.  When you invest in something like this, the only way to make it worthwhile is to wear it as much as possible and not let them hibernate in your closet. 

Dries Van Noten buckle pants

 These fabulous pants incorporate every trend (I hate that word but oh well) for the season.  They are army green (great new neutral), they are slouchy, they are tapered, they have just the right kind of embellishment, and they can be worn with everything.  I have always been a sucker for pants with this silhouette - I know a lot of women are wary of the slouchy/tapered look and rightfully so.  Done wrong and it is a disaster.  What saves these is that they aren't a harem pant (the crotch doesn't hit the knees) so the buckles around the calves work to balance out the easy, slouchy fit at the top.  These will be worn with everything in my closet - basic tees, tucked in with pumps or booties; tailored jackets or blazers; oversized sweaters; menswear inspired collared shirts...whatever.  And army green can be worn virtually with any color (maybe not cherry red or pepto pink) but it is really versatile.  

Isabel Marant Alodi jacket 

 Oh Isabel.  If I wasn't the size of a whale, I would have purchased like 10 more of her pieces but I settled on this jacket (mine is a camel/taupe color).  It has great draping in the front and is a nubby wool trimmed in leather.  These details make it not only special but a piece that can pump up any outfit.  The texture is great and adds a richness and depth to any look.  I also love this because it isn't too tailored and isn't too oversized.  This silhouette pairs nicely with any trouser (skinny, slouchy, wide leg) or can be thrown over any dress that is more form fitting.  This will be coming with me everywhere and I think everyone needs a jacket like this - think camel, texture, some kind of detail (leather, big buttons, draping) and easy fit.  

Phillip Lim camel wool coat

 The beauty of this is how all the little details come together and make an easy to wear, chic coat.  It is double breasted, has no collar, skinny black belt, and oversized hip pockets with zippers and the best detail is the sleeves - wide and rolled...soo good.  If this coat had regular sleeves it would lose all its appeal.  The key piece of the season is a camel colored coat.  This is a trend that isn't trendy and a must.  People always turn to black and I think camel is a fresh alternative that softens a wardrobe and allows for an overall new color palette.  Black can overpower and drown out the details of an outfit.  This will be worn anytime the weather allows.  I cannot wait to experiment with wearing a sweater or logn sleeved blouse underneath for that peek-a-boo effect of the sleeve.  Fun!

Natalia Brilli leather necklace

 Natalia Brilli is a French designer and makes exquisite leather jewelry, bags, and other accessories.  One of my absolute favorite stores, Urban Flower Grange Hall, carries her line and every piece is to die for.  I have a few other pieces but when I saw this necklace this season, I was in love.  I love the tribal organic quality of it and of course the fact that it is leather makes it the perfect mix of feminine and edgy that is a staple for me.  The attention to detail speak to her artistry - the top is twisted leather and the bottom is a series of leather balls connected to each other.  Sick.  I plan to wear this with a wife beater, jean, and combat boots...or a cocktail dress.  Even something this specific and special can be a versatile piece in a wardrobe.  I LOVE pieces like this (and all the ones posted here) because all of them are unique and a little out of the box but they are staples in a wardrobe.  These are the kinds of pieces I am drawn to.  Each one fits my personality and my lifestyle.  I firmly believe that when shopping, those are criteria to live by.  Not what will my boss think or is this too "weird" for me...listen to your gut and then ask yourself if it will become a staple in your wardrobe.  Lastly, be authentic to your personality.  That is the only way to develop true style. 

photos taken by E.O'Mahony; from style.com